By Solomon Okpo
The Akwa Ibom State wing of the League of Veteran Journalists has inaugurated a five-man panel to plan the formal swearing-in of its newly elected executive committee.
The panel, chaired by Samuel Enobong Akpan, Managing Consultant of Comfort FM radio station, has three weeks, effective Monday, August 4, 2025 to deliver a comprehensive programme for the ceremony.
Other members include Mrs. Christy Obot, a former Commissioner for Information in the state; Mr. Obiota Ekanem, a retired Editor-in-Chief of The Pioneer and member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE); Mrs. Grace Utuk; and Mr. Eddy Ekpenyong, former General Manager of Comfort FM, who will serve as Secretary.
According to a statement issued in Uyo by the Publicity Secretary of the League, Mr. Akanimo Sampson, the panel is tasked with selecting a venue, date, and time for the inauguration, shortlisting special guests and assigning roles, as well as making provisions for logistics.
Newly elected Chairman of the League, Mr. Soney Antai, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, said the panelists were chosen on merit due to their proven records in public service.
Beyond the inauguration, the League has outlined ambitious plans to strengthen journalism practice in the state. It intends to roll out training programmes for reporters on ethical reporting, fact-checking, and critical analysis, while also providing technical support to independent media outlets to bolster press freedom, sustainability, and reach.
Antai, in his post-election remarks, pledged that the League will foster journalistic integrity and professionalism to combat misinformation and disinformation.
“We will strongly advocate for legal protections for journalists, freedom of information, and the elimination of censorship. Our mission is to promote press freedom as a vital pillar of democracy,” the League emphasized.
